Frequently Asked Questions
Accommodation and Meals
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Are meals included in the tour price?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included unless stated otherwise. -
Can I have a single room?
Yes, our standard package provides a double ensuite room for single occupancy. Only pillions or close friends may share a room, because we don’t want anyone unfit to ride after a disturbed night. -
Do you cater to dietary requirements?
Yes. Let us know your requirements and we will inform each hotel on the route. -
What accommodation is included?
We usually book on a half‑board basis, meaning breakfast and dinner are included unless stated otherwise. Accommodation is in quality hotels and inns chosen for comfort and character.
Before and After the Tour
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Can you help with hotel bookings before or after the tour?
Yes, we are happy to assist -
Do you provide airport/train station transfers?
Yes, transfer arrangements can be made. -
Where do tours start and finish?
This varies, each tour page lists its start and end points.
Booking and Payment
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Are your tours financially protected?
Yes. We comply fully with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, and all customer funds are held in a trust account for your protection. -
How do I book a tour?
Simply click the link on any tour page that leads to the provisional booking form. Once submitted, we will contact you to go over the details and confirm suitability. -
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB, Diners Club), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Microsoft Pay), bank transfers, and other methods on request. -
When do I need to pay a deposit?
A deposit of at least £500 (up to 20% of the tour cost) is required to secure a place. A deposit of at least £200 is required to reserve a hire motorcycle. Each tour page states the exact amount. -
When is the balance due?
The balance is due 56 days before the first day of the tour.
General Tour Information
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Do I need previous group‑riding experience?
No. If you are new to group riding, we shall help you settle in quickly and comfortably. -
What is the typical size of a tour group?
Groups are deliberately small, usually 4–8 riders, some with pillions. This helps to keep the experience personal and manageable. -
What level of riding experience do I need?
To hire one of our motorcycles, you need at least two years of riding experience. Riders bringing their own bikes may have less. If you’re inexperienced or unsure, please speak with us before booking so we can ensure you’ll feel confident and safe throughout the tour. -
What types of motorcycle tours do you offer?
All our tours are fully guided and run mainly on well‑surfaced roads. Accommodation is typically in high‑quality four‑star hotels, boutique inns, and other carefully selected establishments that suit mature and discerning riders. -
Who are McTours motorcycle tours designed for?
Our tours are designed for mature riders who enjoy well‑paced days on twisty, scenic roads, with stops at places of historic or cultural interest
Insurance
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Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, and it should cover riding a motorcycle of the engine size you will be using. -
Do you provide breakdown cover?
Yes, hire motorcycles include breakdown cover. -
Is motorcycle insurance included?
Yes, for hire motorcycles.
Motorcycles and Equipment
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Can I bring my own motorcycle?
Yes, many riders do. -
Can I hire a motorcycle through you?
Yes, we can supply suitable hire motorcycles for all tours. -
Can you supply riding gear and helmets?
Yes, we offer hire helmets and protective clothing. If luggage space is limited, travel light and rent gear from us. However, availability in certain sizes is limited, so please reserve equipment in advance. -
Do you offer luggage transport?
We rarely include a support van, but luggage transport can be arranged at extra cost when required. Generally, riders should plan to carry what they need on the bike. -
What riding gear do I need to bring?
Bring whatever gear you prefer, but note: an EC‑certified helmet is compulsory, and gloves are mandatory in some countries. We recommend checking requirements when booking. -
What type of motorcycles do you provide?
We mainly provide adventure‑style motorcycles above 650cc. A full motorcycle licence is required for all hire bikes.
Policies
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Can I transfer my booking to another rider?
Yes -
What happens if I need to leave the tour early?
We can help you make safe arrangements to return or continue independently, but unused tour elements are non‑refundable. -
What if McTours has to cancel a tour?
Aside from the Covid pandemic, we have never cancelled a tour, even running tours at a loss to honour bookings. -
What is your cancellation policy?
More than 56 days before departure: You receive a refund minus the reservation fee (£500 per person or 10%, whichever is greater). 56 to 28 days before departure: If we cannot resell your place, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited. 27 days or fewer before departure: If we cannot resell your place, the full tour cost may be forfeited.
Private, Corporate, Bespoke or Custom Tours
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Can you design a route based on specific places I want to visit?
Absolutely. Just tell us your preferred destinations and we shall design a suitable route. -
Can you organise private or bespoke tours?
Yes, we regularly create custom itineraries. -
Do you offer tours for clubs or corporate groups?
Yes, we can organise tours tailored to your group's needs.
Routes and Destinations
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Can routes be customised for private groups?
Yes, most of our tours have been bespoke routes for couples, families, or groups of friends. -
How challenging are the routes?
All our routes include some degree of challenge. If you are unsure from the tour description, just ask and we will happily clarify. -
How often do we stop for breaks or sightseeing?
We rarely ride more than 90 minutes without a break, either for refreshments, photos, or places of interest. There is not alway space for a group to stop at a phote stop but we manage these carefully to ensure no one gets separated. -
What daily distances do we cover?
We plan days around time in the saddle rather than mileage. Loop routes (same hotel each night): about 6 hours riding, typically up to 200 miles / 320 km. Touring routes (changing hotels): 4.5 to 5 hours riding, typically 150–170 miles / 240–270 km.
Safety and Support
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Do the tour guides have first‑aid training?
Yes -
Is there a support vehicle?
Not usually, as small groups make support vehicles impractical and costly. However, one can be arranged for private or bespoke tours. -
What happens if a rider cannot continue the tour?
We will assist as much as reasonably possible, whether that means getting you to medical help, arranging alternative transport, or helping you return to the start/end point. We have successfully supported riders in a variety of situations over the years. -
What safety measures do you take during tours?
We continually assess risks and adapt plans as needed to ensure everyone is safe throughout the tour.
Tour Preparation
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Are there any fitness or health requirements?
We expect riders to self‑assess their fitness to take part. For older riders hiring a motorcycle from us, we may request a doctor’s confirmation of your fitness to ride. -
How should I prepare for a multi‑day tour?
Ensure you are comfortable riding several hours per day, your motorcycle (if bringing your own) is well maintained, and that you are equipped with suitable clothing for changing weather. We are happy to advise based on the specific tour. -
What documents do I need (licence, insurance, passport, etc.)?
A full motorcycle licence is essential. If hiring a bike: insurance is included. If using your own bike: we will need your insurance certificate. For multi‑country tours: you will need a passport, often required at hotel check‑in even if borders are open. -
What happens if my bike breaks down during the trip?
If you have hired a motorcycle from us or our partners, we shall arrange a solution as quickly as possible to keep the tour moving. If you are on your own bike, we will assist where possible, but tour continuity must be maintained. All riders should have their own roadside assistance cover.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
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What happens in case of bad weather?
We assess conditions daily. Snow and ice are extremely rare in summer, but rain should be expected. During heavy rain, we may pause or adjust the route for safety. -
What is the best time of year to ride in Scotland/Europe?
The Scottish riding season runs from April to September. May is particularly popular due to generally settled weather and fewer school holiday crowds. Conditions vary across Europe, ask us for guidance for your chosen destination. -
What should I pack for changeable weather conditions?
Always bring waterproofs and layers. Weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous regions.